Playing with other children is vital to a child’s social development. Here are some great tips to help you plan a playdate that is fun and stress free.
Let your child decide who she wants to play with. If she does not have a preference, notice who she seems to gravitate towards at preschool or in the neighbourhood. And, it’s all right if the children are not the same age. Playing with a slightly older child can be a good learning experience for your child, while playing with a younger child will make your child feel like the big kid.
Limit the number of children. It’s best if there is only one child playing with your child at a time. If you have three children, one will always feel left out of the group.
Keep playdates to an hour for the first visit and two hours thereafter. Longer playdates can result in cranky children.
Since a playdate usually involves a snack or even a full meal, check with the parents ahead of time to see if their child has any food allergies or dislikes.
Lastly, if you are inviting a toddler, you should invite the parents as well. Most toddlers are not used to being away from their parents and in new surroundings. Once they get accustomed to you and your child, they will feel more at ease.
Let your child decide who she wants to play with. If she does not have a preference, notice who she seems to gravitate towards at preschool or in the neighbourhood. And, it’s all right if the children are not the same age. Playing with a slightly older child can be a good learning experience for your child, while playing with a younger child will make your child feel like the big kid.
Limit the number of children. It’s best if there is only one child playing with your child at a time. If you have three children, one will always feel left out of the group.
Keep playdates to an hour for the first visit and two hours thereafter. Longer playdates can result in cranky children.
Since a playdate usually involves a snack or even a full meal, check with the parents ahead of time to see if their child has any food allergies or dislikes.
Lastly, if you are inviting a toddler, you should invite the parents as well. Most toddlers are not used to being away from their parents and in new surroundings. Once they get accustomed to you and your child, they will feel more at ease.
